So the adventure begins with an effortless lift off from Denver on a sparkling sunny winter day. After a year-long count down, the planning, dreaming, budgeting and purchasing, weeks of preparation and packing, Jerry and Sharon are off on a grand journey of renewal, discovery and celebration.

Two sleepy people wrangling six sizable suitcases, like autonomous vehicles without drivers, dodging other impaired drivers without street signs or designated traffic lanes. It must have been amusing to a casual observer.  Four of the unruly beasts were entrusted to the bowels of United’s B747, with our prayers they arrive when we do in Ft Lauderdale. Want to make any bets on how many pieces we will be hauling back home in June? Michael Bray, our trusted travel agent for this trip, had advised us to take a spare empty duffle to accommodate  purchases and souvenirs.

There’s a rush of relief to have run the gantlet of the mandatory airport security. Having a TSA clearance conveys a miniscule sense of achievement as we ferreted out the poorly-marked TSA precheck line tucked away under an escalator. It felt like we were on a covert mission.  We didn’t have to remove our shoes or jackets, hand over our electronic devices, or produce a plastic baggie crammed full of inadequate miniature toiletries , yet my replaced hips set off the alarm requiring a special review, while Jerry with his two replaced knees and two hips was only required to submit his money belt for inspection.  I guess the random confusing requests are intended to foil the would-be terrorists! Confuse and obfuscate is a possible strategy.  I can’t decide if I felt safer or smug to have escaped without much delay or confiscation of any contraband hand lotion or corkscrews.

We’re off to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to spend a couple days visiting Jerry’s nephew Keith Linhart and my dear cousin Brenda Haley Arnold before we meet up with our fellow World Cruisers and prepare to embark on this wild dream voyage around the world.

Azamara Onward does NOT have all these attractions!

Second port on the journey!